Public Statements

Floor Speech

Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule. It continues the absurd denial of climate change that has blinded the House for the last two years.

This bill directs the Army Corps of Engineers to study the vulnerability of these coastal populations to future flood risks. I submitted a sensible amendment to the Rules Committee. My amendment would have required the Corps to consider projected sea level rise from climate change. With scientific consensus that sea levels are rising rapidly due to human-caused climate change, it would be nonsensical to ignore this critical factor.

But this rule does not make my amendment in order. Apparently, it is taboo to mention the words ``climate change'' in this body.

This is the height of irresponsibility. We have a very short window to act. And if we don't, storms like Sandy will grow in frequency and intensity.

We have a moral obligation to protect the planet for our children. That is why my amendment should have been made in order.